Planning international travel involves more than booking flights and packing a suitcase. For many destinations, understanding your vaccination needs is one of the most important steps you can take before departure. Hepatitis A is one of the most commonly vaccine-preventable infections acquired during travel, and yet it is frequently overlooked. At Akasi Pharmacy, our private travel clinic in Beckenham provides straightforward access to the hepatitis A vaccine alongside personalised travel health advice. Get in touch with us or book your appointment today to get protected well ahead of your trip.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike hepatitis B and C, it is not a chronic infection, but it can cause significant illness lasting several weeks or even months.
The virus is spread primarily through:
⇾ Consuming contaminated food or water
⇾ Eating raw or undercooked shellfish from polluted waters
⇾ Close contact with an infected person
⇾ Poor sanitation and hygiene in the local environment
Symptoms can include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and fever. Whilst most people recover fully, older adults and those with pre-existing liver conditions are at greater risk of severe illness. Hepatitis A is most common in parts of the world where sanitation standards may be lower, making travel to these regions a recognised risk factor.
Where Is Hepatitis A A Risk For Travellers?
Hepatitis A is present in many parts of the world, and travellers visiting the following regions should give serious consideration to vaccination:
| Region | Risk Level | Notable Countries |
|---|---|---|
| South Asia | High | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal |
| Southeast Asia | Moderate to High | Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | High | Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana |
| North Africa and Middle East | Moderate to High | Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq |
| Central and South America | Moderate | Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras |
| Eastern Europe and Central Asia | Low to Moderate | Parts of Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan |
Even in countries where overall risk is considered moderate, local conditions, food hygiene standards, and the type of travel you are undertaking can significantly affect your individual risk level.
Who Should Consider The Hepatitis A Vaccine Before Travel?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travellers visiting countries or regions where the infection is more prevalent. You should consider vaccination if you:
⇾ Are travelling to any destination listed as moderate or high risk
⇾ Plan to eat local street food or dine in areas with variable hygiene standards
⇾ Are backpacking or travelling independently with less predictable food and water access
⇾ Are visiting friends or relatives in higher-risk countries
⇾ Have a chronic liver condition or are at higher risk of severe illness
⇾ Are travelling for extended periods
⇾ Work in healthcare or food preparation roles abroad
It is worth noting that visiting friends and relatives is a particularly significant risk group. Travellers in this category often spend longer in-country, eat home-cooked local food, and may feel less inclined to seek pre-travel health advice. The vaccine provides important protection regardless of the nature of your trip.
Understanding The Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and well established. It is given as an injection and is available as a standalone vaccine or in combination with the hepatitis B or typhoid vaccines, depending on your travel needs.
Single vaccine course:
1. Dose 1 – provides protection within approximately 2 to 4 weeks
2. Booster dose – given 6 to 12 months after the first dose, extending protection for up to 25 years or more
Key points about the vaccine:
⇾ A single dose provides good short-term protection and is sufficient for most travel scenarios if given in advance
⇾ The booster dose provides long-term protection and is strongly recommended for those who travel regularly
⇾ The combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine (Hepatyrix or ViATIM) is a convenient option for travellers who need both
⇾ The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix) may be recommended for those also requiring hepatitis B cover
⇾ The vaccine is suitable for adults and children from one year of age
How Far In Advance Should You Get Vaccinated?
Ideally, you should receive your first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine at least two weeks before travel. This allows sufficient time for protective immunity to develop. However, if your trip is approaching sooner, it is still worth getting vaccinated as close to departure as possible, as even partial protection is better than none.
Our pharmacists at our Beckenham clinic can accommodate appointments for travellers with upcoming departures and will plan the most suitable vaccination schedule for your timeline.
What To Expect At Your Appointment In Beckenham
Booking your hepatitis A vaccine at our Beckenham branch is a simple and efficient process. Our clinic is conveniently located for patients across South East London and surrounding areas.
During your appointment you can expect:
⇾ A thorough travel health consultation reviewing your destination and planned activities
⇾ Assessment of your personal risk factors and medical history
⇾ A tailored vaccination plan, including any additional vaccines relevant to your trip
⇾ Clear advice on food and water safety whilst abroad
⇾ Information on other protective measures to reduce your risk of illness
⇾ A vaccination record for your travel documentation
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible so that you can focus on planning your trip with confidence.
Food And Water Safety Alongside Vaccination
The hepatitis A vaccine provides excellent protection, but it works best alongside sensible hygiene precautions during travel. Here are some practical measures to keep in mind:
⇾ Drink bottled or properly treated water and avoid ice in drinks where tap water quality is uncertain
⇾ Eat freshly cooked, hot food where possible and avoid raw or undercooked shellfish
⇾ Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet
⇾ Be cautious with salads, fruit, and vegetables that may have been washed in local tap water
⇾ Avoid buying food from street vendors where food handling practices are unclear
These precautions complement your vaccination and help reduce the risk of other food and waterborne illnesses at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Prepared And Protected
Hepatitis A is a preventable illness, and the vaccine is one of the most reliable ways to protect yourself before travelling to higher-risk destinations. Whether you are heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, visiting family overseas, or making a regular business trip, taking a few minutes to check your vaccination status can save you from a potentially serious illness that could disrupt weeks of your travel.
Our team at our Beckenham travel clinic is ready to provide fast, friendly, and expert guidance tailored to your exact travel plans. Contact us today or book your appointment at our Beckenham branch and make hepatitis A protection one less thing to worry about before you go.
